Six former Illini athletes and one current head coach will head to London to compete in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Various alums will be representing USA, Great Britain, Canada and Jamaica in the Olympics, competing in basketball, soccer and track & field.

Robert Archibald (Great Britain) and 2008 gold medalist Deron Williams (USA) might get to face each other on the basketball court. Four-time NCAA Champion and 2012 NCAA 100m and 110m hurdles champion Andrew Riley (Jamaica) leads a trio of former Illini track and field stars at the 2012 Games, which also includes hurdler Nikkita Holder (Canada) and discus thrower Gia Lewis-Smallwood (USA). Former soccer star Emily Zurrer (Canada), who is appearing in her second Olympic games, rounds out the Illini athlete contingent in London.

In addition to the six athletes competing, current Illinois women’s track and field head coach and former Olympic medalist Tonja Buford-Bailey is also in London as an assistant coach for USA women’s track and field. She will work primarily with Team USA’s sprinters and hurdles.

Take a look at the schedule below to watch all of the Orange & Blue athletes in action!

2012 Olympians

ROBERT ARCHIBALD
Great Britain, Men’s Basketball

Robert Archibald (1999-2002), a native of Scotland, is making his first Olympic appearance. At Illinois, Archibald was a third-team All-Big Ten pick as a senior in 2002, averaging 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds while leading the Big Ten in field goal shooting at 65.9 percent. Archibald helped Illinois win back-to-back Big Ten titles and advance to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2001 and Sweet 16 in 2002. He plans to retire after a successful 10-year pro career.

Great Britain Men’s Basketball Schedule

Group B: 7/29 vs. Russia, 7/31 vs. Brazil, 8/2 vs. Spain, 8/4 vs. Australia, 8/6 vs. China

Quarterfinals: 8/8

Semifinals: 8/10

Gold/Bronze Medal Games: 8/12

NIKKITA HOLDER
Canada, Women’s Track & Field (100m hurdles)

Personal Best: 12.80 (2012)

2012 Best (world rank): 12.80 (29th)

Canadian hurdler Nikkita Holder (2007-2009) will be making her first Olympic appearance this year. Holder finished third at the Canadian Trials with a career-best time of 12.80 to advance to London. Holder represented Canada in the 100m hurdles at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. At Illinois, Holder competed in the 100m hurdles, 100m and 60m hurdles, placing a career-best fourth in the 100m hurdles at the 2007 Big Ten Championships.

Olympic 100m Hurdles Schedule

Aug. 6, 10:05 am BST/4:05 CDT: Round 1

Aug. 7, 7:15 pm BST/1:15 CDT: Semifinals

Aug. 7, 9 pm BST/3 CDT: Final

GIA LEWIS-SMALLWOOD
USA, Women’s Track & Field (discus)

Personal Best: 63.97 m/209-10 (2012)

2012 Best (world rank): 63.97 m/209-10 (15th)

Gia Lewis-Smallwood (1998-2001) will be competing in her first Olympic Games for the United States in the discus throw. Lewis-Smallwood represented Team USA at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, her first international experience after 11 years competing on the national level. A native of Champaign, Ill., Lewis-Smallwood was a All-American in the discus for the Fighting Illini in 2001, placing fifth at the NCAA Championships.

Olympic Discus Schedule

Aug. 3, 7:10 pm BST/1:10 CDT: Qualifying

Aug. 4, 7:30 pm BST/1:30 CDT: Final

ANDREW RILEY
Jamaica, Men’s Track & Field (110m hurdles)

Personal Best: 13.19 (2012)

2012 Best (world rank): 13.19 (14th)

Recent Illini graduate Andrew Riley (2009-12) will representing his home country of Jamaica at the Olympics. Riley finished second in a loaded field at the Jamaican Trials with a career best time of 13.19 to earn his trip to London. In June, Riley became the first male NCAA athlete ever to win both the 100m dash and 110m hurdles NCAA titles in the same year. He finished his Illinois career as a four-time NCAA champion, 12-time All-American and 12-time Big Ten Champion.

Olympic 110m Hurdles Schedule

Aug. 7, 10:10 am BST/4:10 CDT: Round 1

Aug. 8, 7:15 pm BST/1:15 CDT: Semifinals

Aug. 8, 9:15 pm BST/3:15 CDT: Final

DERON WILLIAMS
USA, Men’s Basketball

Deron Williams (2003-05) will go for his second Olympic Gold medal with the United States men’s basketball team in London. Williams was a part of Team USA’s “Redeem Team” that won gold in Beijing in 2008. After being the highest Illinois player drafted at No. 3 overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, Williams has had a brilliant professional career. The seven-year NBA veteran and current Brooklyn Net averaged 21.0 points (11th in NBA) and 8.7 assists (fifth in NBA) last season and has participated in the last three NBA All-Star Games. .

USA Men’s Basketball Schedule

Group A: 7/29 vs. France, 7/31 vs. Tunisia, 8/2 vs. Nigeria, 8/4 vs. Lithuania, 8/6 vs. Argentina

Quarterfinals: 8/8

Semifinals: 8/10

Gold/Bronze Medal Games: 8/12

EMILY ZURRER 
Canada, Women’s Soccer

London 2012 will be the second Olympic appearance for Emily Zurrer (2005-08), as she also represented Canada in 2008 in Beijing, starting every game in the defensive backfield. Zurrer is in her fourth season on the Canadian national team and is one of the key figures on the Canadian defense. Zurrer also played at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. At Illinois, Zurrer was a three-time All-American and the 2006 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Canada Women’s Soccer Schedule

Group F: 7/25 vs. Japan, 7/28 vs. South Africa, 7/31 vs. Sweden

Quarterfinals: 8/3

Semifinals: 8/6

Gold/Bronze Medal Games: 8/9

Classic Leonard dunk; Photo by Cary Frye

Nothing makes me happier than to see an Illini get drafted in the NBA, especially in the top 12. With the 11th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Portland Trailblazers picked Meyers Leonard.

He looked nervous and was sporting a blue gingham shirt (that seemed to be the trend) and brought former Illini coach Bruce Weber with him, along with his family members. He also had an awkward hug with a gal that may or may not be his significant other. I do have wonder why he wasn’t wearing any orange, but I’ll let it go. He looked nervous, but didn’t shed any tears. Kept his interview short, sweet and simple.

The last Illini taken in the NBA draft was 2006, when James Augustine (41) and Dee Brown (46) went late in the second round; neither are in the league anymore. The best draft year in recent memory was 2005, when both Deron Williams (4) and Luther Head (24) were picked in the first round. It’s about time another guy from the Orange and Blue made it back on the big list.

The whole season, there was a lot of “will he or won’t he” talk when it came to Leonard. Many (including me) believed that he could’ve benefited from another year of school. However, once the Illini let go of Bruce Weber, it was pretty obvious Leonard wasn’t going to stick around – and who can blame him?

Leonard would’ve been a junior this year, and who knows how things would’ve gone for him under new head coach John Groce. He made tremendous strides between his freshman and sophomore years, and that could’ve just been the beginning. His first year, he averaged 8 minutes, 1.2 rebounds and 2.1 points per game. Then last year, he averaged 31.8 minutes, 8.2 rebounds and 13.6 points; a huge improvement.

We at Illini Nation are sad to see him go, and he’s going to be nearly impossible to replace. However, we are all extremely proud of our Big Guy from Robinson, Illinois. Nothing would make me happier than to see another Illini not only get drafted, but actually succeed in the NBA.

Best of luck Leonard, knock ‘em dead.

Dear Coach Weber-

It’s been the best of times (the 2005 National Championship Game), it’s been the worst of times (Jamar Smith almost killing Brian Carlwell in a drunk driving accident, this season), but through it all I’ve done my best to support you from the start. No matter what happens at the end of this season, please know that many Illini fans are still fans of Bruce Weber, and will be sad to see you go.

The famed orange jacket; Photo by Cary Frye

When Bill Self abruptly abandoned his team and the rest of Illini Nation mere months after insisting he would be staying, you had to step into some big shoes and coach his players through the 2003-2004 season. We hated Self for ditching us, but we also were extremely critical of anyone who would replace him. Despite the anger and skepticism spewed your way from the media, fans and even some cranky players, you went ahead and led the team to the first outright Big Ten Championship since 1952, and then to the Sweet 16. Of course that enabled everyone to warm up to you, but I had already fallen head over heels as soon as you sported that beautiful orange jacket.

We all know what happened the next year. In the 2004-2005 season the Illini were No. 1 for most of the year, and almost went undefeated should it had not been for that fellow at OSU whose name I will not utter here. Then, you coached the team through the most amazing game I have ever seen against Arizona in the elite 8. Down 15 points with just 4 minutes to go it looked like the game was over, but Dee Brown, Deron Williams and Luther Head worked together with James Augustine and Jack Ingram to tie up the game and grab the exciting overtime win. The Illini fell short against North Carolina in the championship game, but the season was magic nonetheless. The team went a record 37-2 for the year, you were Big Ten Coach of the Year and also earned the Naismith Award.

While many note Brown and Williams as their favorite players from that season, I am in awe of the way you helped Head turn his life around. He had some troubles at the start of his career, including at least one arrest. By his senior year Head was a new man and went on to play in the NBA for a number of years. And, I was so impressed with his skills that I named my dog after him.

Sadly, the Illini never reached that same glory again under your tutelage, and things started to head downhill after that season. Illinois only missed out on the Tournament twice with you as head coach, though they weren’t able to actually win games. Slowly, their stock continued to fall and people ranted and raved that you couldn’t recruit. But you stepped up your game and proved them wrong.

Unfortunately, in 2006, there was the whole “he who shall be named” debacle with the chipmunk that headed over to Indiana at the last minute leaving you high and dry for the 2007-2008 season. Not your fault, Weber! I never blamed you for that for one second. You continued to pick up your game after he broke your heart and ours and along the way honesty and integrity were always at the top of your priority list.

At this year's B1G Media Day

As if the chipmunk decommit didn’t suck enough, in early 2007 Jamar Smith drove drunk and slammed his car into a tree virtually killing teammate Brian Carlwell. You handled that as well as expected, but in the end Smith couldn’t follow the rules and had to be dismissed from the team. He was an extremely talented guy that Illinois could have used, but you don’t have tolerance for shenanigans like that.

Then came the Jereme Richmond coup. You convinced him to commit as a freshman, and you held on to him until he stepped on to the UofI campus for the 2010-2011 season. Sadly, he was a bust as well, and no one was sad to see him go. Again, I don’t really blame you for that one either, but perhaps you had an inkling he’d be trouble?

A lot of the circumstances were bad luck, but along the way perhaps a few could have been prevented? In addition to Richmond’s early exit, last year was a difficult season that didn’t live up to overall expectations. Your four seniors didn’t put in the effort necessary, and despite the first NCAA Tournament win in a long time, fans were getting a little itchy and starting to lose faith in your abilities as a coach. Not me! I was still ready to see what a new era could bring this season with all of your own talented recruits and no distractions.

That brings us to the present day. Six talented freshmen joined the team all to play for you (well, and Jerrance Howard). No one expected the Illini to be any good this year, but you teased us with early wins and then disappointed us with silly losses. Finally, even I had to wonder if you were the right person to lead Illinois to victory. I would love for you to be the one to bring the team back to glory, but I fear it’s not meant to be. If it were up to me, I would probably give you one more year to show us what you’re made of, but alas- the decision has nothing to do with me.

Throughout the years, your voice was forever raspy from screaming on the sidelines day in and day out. Fans of other teams yelled at you constantly to “sit down,” but you never would unless it was to protest a call from a ref as you put on that astonished face that I grew to love. Also, I appreciate that you always did things the right way, even to a fault. You called the players out in front of the media – which was good and bad – but you always told the truth and laid it all out on the line.

On my mantle will always sit the signed basketball that was given to me as a wedding shower present from dear friends who managed to finagle your signature. I will also never forget how kind you were the first time I finally got to shake your hand and meet you in person. I had been sitting in the crowd of reporters for two years in a row but never had the guts to actually introduce myself. I had asked questions that you dutifully answered and looked directly into my eyes as you answered them, but you had no clue who I was. At this year’s Big Ten Media I finally caught you alone and told you my name  and you were kind enough to shake my hand and remark that you had seen me around. That made me beam for at least three days. I like to imagine if you were given one more year you might recognize me at the next Media Days, but maybe it’s best not to find out.

No final determination has been made, but it seems the writing is on the wall for you at the end of this season. Thank you for nine amazing years as a head coach, and please know that you have left a legacy that will not be forgotten. On behalf of all the fans I wish you the best of luck wherever you may land, and I’m sure you will enjoy the $3.9 million coming your way just to not do your job. You will always have a place in my heart, and in the hearts and memories of many Illini fans throughout the world.

Sincerely-

Zipporah

With the Illini continually to play poorly game after game (they’re on a 4-game skid), attention has been shifted onto head coach Bruce Weber and Bruce Weber alone. Rather than looking at this afternoon’s game at Nebraska, everybody is reading into every word Weber says and analyzing every shift, grunt and exclamation made by both him and AD Mike Thomas; and I’m following suit.

I mean, what is there to say about the game today? A win won’t help all that much, and the season basically ended last week with the home Purdue loss, so today’s game doesn’t make that much of a difference. Don’t get me wrong, I will still watch and I will still hope for a win, but I – like many – have lost my faith in the team. That doesn’t mean I don’t support them, because we could be 2-20 and I would still watch every game and scream at every Brandon Paul turnover and crazy 3 that goes in. Unless they win at Wiscy or OSU, the team is toast, so yawn for today.

Yesterday, former players started speaking out, which opened up a whole new can of worms. Deron Williams had some nice thins to say about Weber, and commented he’d be very disappointed to see him go. He would still support the program, but it would be tough. Then, last night Dee Brown took to Twitter with some confusing tweets, with this causing the most concern:

 

“ALOT of things was said about me…I got a great memory! NOW tables turn! Things not going well what do MR.WEBER have to say now?? MUST READ”

To many, this indicated that he and Weber didn’t get along, and there was a fire of speculation over what he was saying. However, this morning, Brown jumped back on Twitter to say that he had nothing bad to say about Weber:

“People read too deep into my tweets…I have nothing bad to say about WEBER never have,never will! Great coach made me a better player!”

“So WEBER fans who say I should defend him like D-WILL? I havs always BACKED him up with positive comments Illini nation down on him not ME!”

I don’t think that he’s backtracking, I think his initial tweet just didn’t mean what he thought it meant. I THINK Dee meant that people in the media used to say bad thing about him, but now they’re attacking the coach? Maybe? Take a look at @deebrown11 to see everything he had to say.

What does bother me still a bit is that Dee is attacking IlliniNation. Now, that’s not fair. I’ve supported Weber from the start, and I totally would NOT be upset if he stayed around another year. In fact, I’d probably shed a tear or two if he has to go. However, I am tired of losing. Illinois is a program that can win, and for some reason Weber is not getting it done. That doesn’t mean I don’t love my team or our head coach, it just means I’m ready to win.

So here’s what we all need to do: stop speculating and let the kids play. Someone on a radio show this morning asked AD Mike Thomas if he would fire Bruce Weber if he lost today. Thomas said nothing will happen until the end of the season. Which is the right answer, but why on earth would you ask him that? Do you think if the answer was “yes,” he’d even respond? Let’s stop focusing on Weber and focus on the team and what they’re doing.

Nebraska is in one hour, and what I want to do is win. That’s what everyone else should be concerned with as well. We don’t make the decisions when it comes to hiring and firing coaches, so let’s just let everyone do their jobs.

Game is on at 4pm on BTN.

The first exhibition game has come and gone, and we still have a few more guys to get to know on the list. My goal is to have this series completed before the first official game, so I’ve got a little over a week. Let’s get hopping.

Next on our alphabetical list is Devin Langford, who will be sporting No. 21 this year. That is, if he plays this year, but we’ll get to that.

The 6’5″ small forward from Huntsville, Alabama is the only freshman not from either Chicago or Africa. Langford gave his oral commitment in December of 2010, after narrowing his choices down to Illinois and Auburn. He is the first guy from Lee High School to attend a Big Ten school.

Apparently, during the recruiting process some people were whispering in Langford’s ear that he wouldn’t be accepted by fans because he wasn’t from Illinois. Horse poop! Mike Davis came from Maryland, Chester Frazier also came from Maryland and Deron Williams, one of the most beloved Illini players of all time – and the most successful – came from Texas! What we don’t like is when Chicago guys go to other schools, but guys from other states heading to Illinois are welcome!

The 3-star small forward came in ranked at #33 at his position, according to Scout.com. There was a lot of hoopla surrounding Langford before he even got to Illinois, with rumors of homesickness and even academic issues. However, Weber has since said that Langford is quite at home and ready to play. The only problem seems to be that he is plagued by injuries.

First, a deep thigh bruise kept Langford from playing in Italy. Then, he had to have surgery on his finger just about a week ago, and will miss four to six weeks. The only glimpse we’ve gotten of Langford is in the Orange & Blue Scrimmage, where he played 7 minutes with the Orange squad and had 2 points and 2 rebounds and just 2 points with the Blue squad over 9 minutes.

Coach Weber has not said whether or not Langford will be playing this year, but it seems like missing the first four to six weeks of the season makes him a likely candidate for a redshirt. It could be tough to get him into the mix in the middle of the season, and he might benefit from more time getting used to the school and being away from home. However, redshirting the first year can be tough. Bertrand was a redshirt his first year, and still has yet to really make a mark with the Illini. And, of course, we certainly don’t want Langford to fear his place in the system and consider transferring.

Only time will tell what will happen. Langford averaged 21 points, 14 rebounds and 7assists as a senior in Alabama, so clearly he has the skills. Also, Weber has continually referred to him as the best passer/ball handler on the team. Lastly, Brandon Paul told me during the Big Ten Media Day that Langford is also the funniest guy on the team, so I hope he sticks out the injuries and enjoys his time in Champaign.

Here’s your video footage of Devin Langford:

By Samantha Vanis, Contributing Writer

The Illini Athletic Department spent this past weekend honoring the greats of the basketball program. The attendees ranged from recent graduates Demetri McCamey and Mike Davis to great names of the past like Dee Brown and Deron Williams of the 2005 Final Four Team, and Kendall Gill from the 1989 Flyin’ Illini.

It was a great weekend for Illini basketball fans, even if the absence of air conditioning left the Assembly Hall hotter than the 90-degree weather outside. Regardless of the heat, the crowd was excited for the event and fans overflowed from the A and B section of the Hall.

The festivities on Saturday began with this year’s basketball team playing a scrimmage that served as their last practice before heading off to Italy. The scrimmage followed FIBA rules to prepare them for the trip, such as a 24-second shot clock and an 8-second time limit to get the ball over half court.

Each quarter acted as its own game and players rotated. Everyone looked sloppy at one point or another, but what can really expect from a scrimmage this early in the year? There were some promising moments, and one highlight was a follow-up dunk put in by Crandall Head after a Tyler Griffey miss. Head jumped over 7-foot Myers Leonard to make that dunk possible.

Another standout was incoming freshman Nnanna Egwu. He is 6’11 and 245 pounds, but can run the floor and beat his man out to follow through with a strong dunk. He isn’t the typical player that the Illini have had in the past few years, making him a welcome sight for Illini fans. Egwu led all scorers with 16 points in the scrimmage, while Joseph Bertrand had 12, and Head had 11 points.

The main event of the night was undoubtedly the Alumni game. First came the introductions of each of the alumni in attendance, and a few of them paused to say a few words. Most kept their time at the mic short and sweet, thanking the Illini fans for the fandom and support. Williams was welcomed with a standing ovation, and Gill had the most unique words giving a shot out to all of the 40-year-olds in attendance and got a good chuckle.

The Blue team’s big name players consisted of Gill, Williams, Brown, Brian Cook, Mike Tisdale, Briand Randle, and current assistant coach Jerrance Howard. The Blue team was coached by Kenny Battle and Levi Cobb. The White team’s big name players were James Augustine, Roger Powell, Cory Bradford, Robert Archibald, Demetri McCamey, Chester Frazier, and Jack Ingram. Lon Kruger, who coached the Illini from 1996-2000 and currently coaches Oklahoma, served as the coach for the White team.

The game was made up of four 8-minute quarters. The Blue team started strong with Gill scoring a quick 7 points and the team lead 14-0. However, McCamey broke that streak and put the White team on the board with a big 3. Williams originally told his honorary coaches Battle and Cobb that he did not want to come off the floor of the Assembly Hall once, but he sat to start the second quarter to give all the alumni a chance to be play at the Hall again.

At halftime, the 2001 and 2002 Big Ten Championship teams were honored and a highlight video was played that put a tear in many of the eyes in the audience and on the court. Bradford was choked up as he addressed the crowd and commented that to this day he is still great friends with many of these players.

To start the third quarter, the 2005 Final Four players Williams, Brown, Powell, Augustine, and  Ingram took the floor together. Brown hit back-to-back threes, and the crowd responded with shouts of “Dee for three!” After the quarter ended, Brown addressed the crowd with a follow-up from Coach Bruce Weber, who once again thanked all the fans for coming out.

The alumni game ended with the Blue team winning, 70 to 64. Gill led all scorers with 13 points and 5 rebounds, and Williams ended up with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. D-Will also had the highlight of the night when he bounce passed alley-oop to himself:

The event put on by the Athletic Department was a great experience for all who attended, giving them a chance to see their favorite players of all time. Fans were also treated to a glimpse of how next season’s team is shaping up. Here’s hoping that this event will be a staple for years to come in the Illini basketball program.

Watch more higlights of the game here:

Contributing writer Samantha Vanis is studying sports management at the University of Illinois. She is a member of the class of 2013.  

Rumor has it that Deron Williams, one of just two former Illini playing on an NBA team (Brian Cook is the other), will be heading to Turkey next year. Williams was a superstar with the Utah Jazz since 2005, and then was traded to the New Jersey Nets at the end of last season.

That trade alone was a bit of a surprise since it came just weeks after Jerry Sloan stepped down as the Utah coach with rumors swirling that part of the problem was in fact D-Wil.

The rumor isn’t yet confirmed, but according to a post from InsideHoops.com:

InsideHoops.com looks forward to additional confirmation of this, but for now, a major media outlet in Turkey reports the following: Besiktas Men’s Basketball Team, New Jersey Nets had an agreement in principle with Deron Williams.

Again nothing has been confirmed, but it always seems like 9 times out of 10 NBA rumor end up being true. I didn’t believe that Deron would be heading to New Jersey, but then it happened. I also thought there was a chance Lebron would be heading to Chicago, so-.

Williams only turned 27 on June 26 (oops, happy belated birthday!), and while that may be close to ancient in NBA years, he was still at his prime getting better and better at each year. That’s not to say that he can’t make the big bucks playing in Turkey.

A recent, and very informative, article on Illini players overseas written by Paul Klee reported that Josh Childress once signed for $6.7 million a year to play in Greece, though the salary is generally more like $100,000 to $1 million a year.

Either way, it seems odd that Williams would jump to Turkey when he has a career that is going strong in the U.S. He has a family here, and wouldn’t it just be a simpler life to remain in the comforts of home? Additionally, the Klee article also noted that playing overseas can be an entirely different experience.

It seems to me that Williams has a few more years in him before heading that direction. Which makes me wonder if perhaps there is some unrest going on in New Jersey? Of course, the lockout could be to blame for this move, but I would think D-Wil has enough $ in the bank to take a rest one year and just hang out with his family… in the U.S. We shall see!

This blog was originally going to highlight the glorious skills of all of those Illini players who are currently fighting their way to the top of the NBA playoffs, until I realized the number of former Fighting Illini in the playoffs is a big, fat zero.  Not since Deron Williams was chosen third overall in the draft in 2005 has an Illini player even been drafted at all, and so it isn’t a huge surprise that there are no Illini hoopsters currently on a playoff team.

Williams is still quite active in the league, and got extra [bad] press this year after he was essentially blamed for the sudden, mid-season retirement of Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Soon after, Williams was traded to the New Jersey Nets. Since the Nets finished the season with a 24-58 record, it was clear they wouldn’t be making a playoff appearance this year. Brian Cook, another Illini graduate who is still hanging around the NBA, was originally drafted in 2003 by the Lakers. However, since he now plays for the “other” LA team, his playoffs hopes for this year were squashed.

Luther Head played most of this season with the Sacramento Kings this year; yet another team that had no shot of a playoff bid. However, in March the Kings waved the rights to Head and he is currently seeking a new place to call home. My favorite Illini player of all time (check out my dog’s name for crying out loud!), it saddens me that Head has never really found his stride in the NBA.

While next year might be a similar predicament for the former Illini – it’s doubtful that Williams will be able to turn the Nets around and take them to the playoffs – there are three players that could find themselves on an NBA team next year: Demetri McCamey, Jereme Richmond and possibly even (fingers crossed) Mike Davis.

Here’s hoping next year I have a little more to discuss in terms of the Illini once the playoffs roll around. In the meantime, why not enjoy a video of Deron Williams’ Top 20 Plays??